There is bad news for Iranian, President’s chopper crash near Azerbaijani border. The incident occured during President Raisi’s return flight to Iranian city Tabriz after he and the Azerbaijani President Iham Aliyev inaugurated the Qiz Qalasi Dam on their shared border. Video footage of the purported crash site are going to viral on internet and news websites.
An Unmanned aerial vehical (UAV) has potentially the location of a helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi that went missing over a mountains region in East Azerbaijan province, a report said.
The chopper, carrying President Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir- Abdollahian, and other officials, lost contact approximately 30 minutes into flights. This news shocked Iranian and raises concern about safety of Iranian President. Search and rescue operation is going on. Some reports says that helicopter has been find but President Raisi has not been found.
Before that from Iran’s state media described the situation as an “accident”. Iran’s Deputy President for Executive Affairs Moshsen Mansouri said that two members of the President/s entourage had contacted resche teams, suggesting that the Incident might not have been castrophic. Mansouri added that the Ministry of communications had managed to narrow down the potential crash site to within of communication had managed to narrow down the potentoal crash site to within a two-kilometre radius.
Some Iranian state media reported that Deputy Foreign Minister for Economic Diplomacy Mehdi Safari claimed that the Tabriz Friday prayer leader had managed to speak with President Raisi, 63, via phone from the downed helicopter. He also said that the Tabriz Friday prayer leader had made a phone call to the president from inside the crashed copter.
In a television address, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatllah Ali Khamenei urged people calm and assured that there would be no disruption in the country’s governance.
He also said that, we hope that Almighty God will bring our dear President and his companion back in full health into the arms of the nation.
The Search and rescue operation is still going on more than 60 rescue teams, including army, Revolutionary Guard forces, and police units, scouring the foggy, mountainous terrain. The harsh weather conditions and heavy fog have significantly hampered these efforts. Iran’s Red Crescent chief, Pirhossein Koolivand said the team has detected a smell of fuel in one area, which rescue teams are now converging on.
Our Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed his deep concern with a post on social media. “Deeply concerned by reports with the President Raisi’s helicopter flight today. We stand in solidarity with the Iranian people in this hour of distress, and pray foe well being of the President and his entourage, ” he said in a post shared on X.
The International community also has expressed concern and offered assistance. Neighbouring Countries and Organisations, including Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Russia, Turkey and the European Union, have pleged support. The EU has even activated its rapid response mapping service to aid in such efforts.
Iranian Foregin Minister spokesman Nasser Kanani conveyed gratitude for the international solidarity and offers help. US President spokesman confirming they are closely monitoring development.
All eyes are going on rescue operations and hoping a good news coming from rescue site.